Allianz League Division 2A: Offaly 0-26, Meath 1-21
Offaly hurlers began their Allianz League Division 2A campaign with a two point victory over Meath at St Brendan’s Park, Birr on Sunday, 26th January.
There were some nervous moments for the home side in the dying moments as Meath went in search of a last-gasp goal, but Offaly held out for the win, having led for almost the entire 70 minutes.
With Liam Lanton accurate from frees and open play, Offaly established a commanding 0-18 to 0-10 lead by half time. Shane Kinsella, Thomas Geraghty and Sean Cleary also chipped in with well-taken scores, while Leon Fox fired over a free from inside his own half.
The only downside in the first half was the concession of numerous frees which kept Meath in the hunt. Then, early in the second half, the visitors received a huge boost when Pauric O’Halloran netted the only goal of the game.
But Oisin Kelly, Thomas Geraghty and Liam Langton replied for Offaly and with the scoreboard reading 0-23 to 1-12 after 50 minutes, Michael Fennelly’s side still looked on course for a comfortable win.
Meath, though, had the wind at their backs and whittled down Offaly’s advantage with a series of unanswered points. Into injury-time, Offaly only led by one score, before Eoghan Cahill converted a free from 60 metres.
Even so, there was more drama as Meath went in search of a match-winning goal. But Offaly held out and will look to collect their second brace of points next Sunday in Tralee.
Offaly: James Dempsey; Michael Cleary, Damien Egan, Paddy Rigney; David King, Ben Conneely, Dan Doughan; David Nally (0-2), Leon Fox (0-1, f); Brendan Murphy, Shane Kinsella (0-3), Thomas Geraghty (0-3); Liam Langton (0-12, 8f), Sean Cleary (0-2), Oisin Kelly (0-1).
Subs used: Eoghan Cahill (0-2, 2f), Aidan Treacy, Cillian Kiely, Conor Langton, Brian Duignan.
By kenny Sun 26th Jan
